New Vision to improve lives across the county

June 4, 2008

Updated: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 (09:08)

A UNION of organisations charged with improving the lives of people in Cambridgeshire was launched last week. The Cambridgeshire Vision was formed using input from all the county s district councils — including Huntingdonshire. The blueprint has identifie

A UNION of organisations charged with improving the lives of people in Cambridgeshire was launched last week.

The Cambridgeshire Vision was formed using input from all the county's district councils - including Huntingdonshire.

The blueprint has identified five goals for the county:

n Growth

n Economic prosperity

n Environmental sustainability

n Equality

n Inclusion

Cllr Jill Tuck, the new leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "The Vision ensures local priorities meet regional and national aspirations and they tackle head-on those challenges that are unique to our county.

"We are aiming to make lasting improvements to issues that matter to local people like affordable housing, adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change, meeting the demands of population growth, perceptions of anti-social behaviour and healthy lifestyles.

"Our five districts will also be working on challenges local to them as there isn't a single answer to all the issues."

Statistics published in the Vision show Cambridgeshire is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country over the next 15 years and that the number of people aged 85-plus will increase by more than half in that period.

Figures also show alcohol misuse in the county is on the rise, one in four adults have no qualifications and Cambridgeshire households generate more than 309,000 tonnes of waste every year.

The Vision includes a three-year action plan containing 51 improvement targets negotiated with central government, plus the five listed above, which have been submitted to central government.

Cllr Ian Bates, the leader of HDC, said: "We will be working with our partners to continue to make improvements in Huntingdonshire for the benefit of local people that will achieve the overall vision for the county.

"We are charged with looking at what is important for our local communities - and we will build on the good foundations that have already been laid.

"The council and a number of partners in Huntingdonshire are working towards a new strategy which sets out priorities for the district.

"The objectives in this document have influenced the county Vision and gives us confidence that we can improve the quality of life for those who live, work in or visit our district."

Cllr Tuck added: "We all want Cambridgeshire to be a county of strong, growing and prosperous communities supported by excellent services. A place where people can fulfil their potential, live longer and influence decision-making. With the Vision launched we can make great strides over the coming years."

INFORMATION: A copy of the Cambridgeshire Vision is available to view at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk